HautsdeFrance

Hauts-de-France is a region in the northern part of France. It was created on January 1, 2016 by merging the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy as part of a nationwide territorial reform. The region borders Belgium to the north and the English Channel to the west. It covers about 31,800 square kilometers and is home to roughly six million people.

Hauts-de-France is composed of five departments: Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, and Somme. The regional capital and prefecture is Lille, which is also the largest city. Other major urban centers include Amiens (prefecture of Somme), Roubaix, Tourcoing, Dunkerque, Calais, Valenciennes, Boulogne-sur-Mer, and Saint-Quentin.

Geography and economy are diverse. The region has a northern coastline along the English Channel, including sections of the Hauts-de-France coast near Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez, and major rivers such as the Somme and the Scheldt. The economy combines port activities in Dunkerque and Calais with manufacturing, logistics, and services centered around Lille. Agriculture is important in the interior. The region is integrated into cross-border networks with Belgium and is served by major transport links, including the LGV Nord high-speed rail line, the Channel Tunnel, and Lille’s international airport, along with Le Touquet and Calais regional airports.

Cultural heritage includes landmarks such as the city of Amiens with its cathedral and the Louvre-Lens museum in Lens. The area contains World War I historic sites in the Somme and a varied architectural and industrial legacy in cities like Lille, Roubaix, Lens, and Dunkerque. Hauts-de-France also encompasses several regional parks, including Parc naturel régional Scarpe-Escaut and Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale.